Jimi Hendrix’s final official concert was marked by violence and disorder, according to longtime roadie Eric Barrett, who has now recalled the tense moments surrounding the rock legend’s last performance.
Barrett, who worked with Hendrix from 1968 until 1970, detailed the experience in his memoir, Experienced: On the Road with Jimi Hendrix and Beyond. He also spoke with Fox News Digital about the chaotic festival on Germany’s Isle of Fehmarn.
The Sept. 6, 1970, performance would become Hendrix’s final official concert. Just 12 days later, the legendary guitarist died in London at age 27.
Hells Angels Violence Created Chaos Around Hendrix
According to Barrett, hundreds of members of the Hells Angels had taken control of the festival grounds, creating an increasingly dangerous environment.
Barrett recalled that festival security was overwhelmed and that some attendees were reportedly beaten and robbed. Hendrix, he said, withdrew to his room after seeing the disorder and remained sober while the situation deteriorated.
The musicians eventually prepared to leave the island, but the bikers reportedly attempted to prevent them from departing.
Hendrix Faced a Hostile Crowd During Final Show
The following day, Hendrix took the stage before an audience that was reportedly hostile toward him.
Despite the boos, Hendrix continued performing and responded to the crowd with humor before finishing his set. He then thanked the audience and left the stage.
Barrett helped Hendrix and the rest of the group make their way toward waiting vehicles. But the situation became dangerous as members of the motorcycle club surrounded them.
Barrett recalled seeing a Hells Angel preparing to strike tour manager Gerry Stickells with a baton. Barrett raised his arm and absorbed the blow, which he said nearly caused him to pass out from the pain.
Roadie Reveals Hendrix’s Last Words to Him
After the group managed to get inside a vehicle, Hendrix noticed that Barrett had been injured while protecting Stickells.
According to Barrett, Hendrix repeatedly asked him whether he was OK.
Those simple words became Barrett’s final conversation with the guitarist.
The roadie said the moment reflected the difference between Hendrix’s explosive stage persona and his quieter personality away from performances. Barrett described him as polite, shy and deeply aware of the people around him.
Barrett Rejects Longstanding Hendrix Death Theories
Hendrix died in London on Sept. 18, 1970. Paramedics found him unresponsive at the Samarkand Hotel, and a post-mortem examination concluded that he died from asphyxia while intoxicated with barbiturates.
Over the decades, numerous theories have surrounded his death. Barrett rejects claims that Hendrix was murdered, including allegations involving the guitarist’s manager, Mike Jeffery.
Barrett said he never believed those claims and maintained that the available circumstances did not support the murder theory.
Hendrix’s Legacy Lives On Decades After His Death
Barrett said his memories of Hendrix remain overwhelmingly positive. He recalled the guitarist as a gifted performer who could command an audience but was much more reserved in private.
Hendrix's career ended at just 27, but his influence on rock music continued long after his death. Barrett's memoir offers another personal perspective on the final weeks of a musician whose life and career remain the subject of fascination more than five decades later.
For Barrett, however, the most memorable moment is not one of Hendrix’s legendary guitar performances. It is the brief exchange in a vehicle after a violent night in Germany, when Hendrix noticed his injured friend and simply wanted to know if he was all right.
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